As part of the target-funded program implemented at Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov under the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, IRN “BR24993150 Organization of Psychological and Pedagogical Support for Pre-Profile Training of Learners with Disabilities,” a study visit of the program executors to Stockholm (Kingdom of Sweden) took place from December 6 to 12, 2025. The purpose of the visit was participation in advanced professional development courses on the topic “Inclusive Education and Social Integration: The Experience of Sweden.” The program leader is Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Research Professor Z.A. Movkebayeva.
In accordance with the program, a visit was organized to one of the largest universities in Scandinavia—Stockholm University. At the university, meetings were held with representatives of the Office for Students with Disabilities Support, Mia Karlsson and Guri Blomqvist (heads and coordinators of targeted pedagogical support), during which information was presented on various types of support and accommodations, as well as the university’s experience in this field. A meeting was also held with Professor of Special Education Rano Zakirova-Engstrand, who presented research in the field of special education and early childhood autism. The group also visited the university campuses, including the Albano campus, which is certified under the Citylab standard for sustainable environmental development.
The program executors were also given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the experience of organizing inclusive practices in various Swedish organizations. In particular, meetings were held with the Acting Head and Coordinator of Kulturskolans Resurscenter, Maliha Ezdani Khan, and withAnnika Setterqvist, Director of Stockholm’s resource school Vintertullsskolan for students in grades 7–9 who require additional support. The school operates with small groups and adapts instruction to individual needs. A substantive and informative meeting was also held with Åsa Helmersson, Senior Lecturer at Manillaskolan (Stockholm).
The Swedish National Agency for Special Needs Education and Schools, Specialpedagogiska skolmyndigheten (SPSM), was also visited. SPSM is responsible for supporting schools, educators, and families; it provides consultations, educational materials, and training courses, manages specialized schools across the country, and promotes the creation of equal learning conditions for children with special educational needs.
As part of the visit, participants toured the public special school Hällsboskolan Kungsholmenfor students with severe speech and language impairments. The school enrolls students from grades 2 to 10, places particular emphasis on language and communication, and provides an adapted educational environment. A group meeting was held during which participants had the opportunity to become acquainted with the work of speech therapist and Head of the Student Health Team Zhiwar Eskandari, team leader and primary school teacher Channette Håkansdotter, special educator in the Student Health Department Tove Risberg, and psychologist in the Student Health Department Mattias Eriksson. The group also took part in an international conference and the final event of the DIGARV research program, during which presentations were delivered byKristoffer Nielbo (Aarhus University), Brita Brenna (University of Oslo), andHannu Salmi (University of Turku).
The program executors also received information about the activities of Swedish grant foundations in the fields of culture and inclusive approaches.
Of particular interest to the participants was the visit to the state-owned organization Samhall, whose main mission is to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities and to ensure their integration into the open labor market. Each year, the company facilitates the transition of approximately 1,500 employees to other employers by providing in-demand jobs in areas such as cleaning services, care services, logistics, manufacturing, and related sectors. Speaker:Dan-Aria Sucuri, expert in corporate governance and society.
The period from December 7 to 12 in Stockholm coincided with Nobel Prize Week. As part of the week’s events, the group visited the open exhibition “Lights of the Nobel Prize” and the Nobel Prize Museum to learn about the history of the Nobel Prize, the work of Alfred Nobel, and the achievements of laureates in various fields of science and culture.At the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (Aula Magna), the group attended lectures by the 2025 Nobel Laureates:
- “The Past and Future of Innovation: Can Progress Be Sustainable?” — Lecturer: Joel Mokyr, 2025 Nobel Laureate in Economics.
- “The Economics of Creative Destruction” — Philippe Aghion, 2025 Nobel Laureate in Economics.
- “Creative Destruction and Economic Growth” — Peter Howitt, 2025 Nobel Laureate in Economics.
Furthermore, as part of the “Lights of the Nobel Prize” festival program, an event was held at Gustav Adolfstorg Square, where participants observed a performance by students from Kulturskolan Resurscenter, representing children and youth with special educational needs.
During the study visit, the group familiarized themselves with Sweden’s experience in inclusive education, social integration of people with disabilities, and special education. The knowledge and insights gained are aimed at developing the university’s psychological and pedagogical support system and improving services for students with disabilities.
#SDG #ЦУР #ТДМ
